Look, don’t get me wrong I am not saying there isn’t corruption, and that soldiers lives weren’t thrown away carelessly in the development of the CH-53. We are talking about a massive US military program here…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CH-53K

When considering the operational history of the CH-53 though (and especially most modern version the CH-53K) I don’t think you can fairly label it a deathtrap, you will have an easier time arguing it is the best mass production heavy lift helicopter in the world.

https://breakingdefense.com/2025/08/how-the-ch-53k-king-stallion-can-transform-marine-heavy-lift-operations/

“What contributes to that challenge is the fact that we called it the CH-53K instead of going with something wholly different, the fact that we made it look a lot like a 53 Echo,” Fleeger explained. “I think it actually encourages, unfortunately, people to view the platform as a replacement platform instead of a revolutionary, key element of a really forward-thinking concept of operations.”

The CH-53K’s larger engines, advanced avionics, and greater payload capacity don’t just improve existing capabilities. They enable entirely new operational concepts. Where the CH-53E required extensive preparation and carried significant risk when lifting 20,000-pound loads, the CH-53K handles such operations routinely, fundamentally changing how ground commanders plan missions.

Wanna try to fight me when I can airlift piles of 155mm heavy artillery to every single hill and defensible location around you? Wherever you are?